Auburn officials discuss harmful algal blooms threatening Owasco Lake

Auburn city leaders met Thursday to address the ongoing problem of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Owasco Lake, which provides drinking water to over 45,000 residents. Mayor James Giannettino, Council Representative Terrence Cuddy, and environmental advocate Walter Hang from Toxics Targeting spoke on the dangers posed by these blooms, which release toxic microcystins.

Hang emphasized that while Auburn has advanced water treatment systems, the city comes dangerously close to exceeding health guidelines due to the blooms. Warm weather, combined with high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen, creates ideal conditions for cyanobacteria growth.

Hang also criticized the state’s lack of response, urging Governor Kathy Hochul to take immediate action on this pressing environmental issue.